Apple Targeted in China Porn Investigation

By Jeff Gamet

Apr 17th, 2013 12:27 PM EDT

Apple is facing a new investigation in China, this time over allegations that the company provides pornography through its App Store. Apple isn't alone in the investigation since the Chinese government is also targeting several other companies and websites, although it is interesting to see Apple on the list because the company already has its own anti-porn policy.

China says Apple peddles porn in its App Store

Presumably the Chinese government feels some of the content available through the App Store and iBookstore is a little too racy for its people, and is now deciding what needs to be done. Chinese officials called out Apple in March for providing "obscene content," according to the Wall Street Journal, and were told to stop offering the alleged pornographic material as well as to take steps to prevent additional violations.

Apple recently responded to a Chinese government complaint over its local warranty policies and allegations that consumers in the country received lower quality services compared to other countries. Apple ultimately apologized and promised change as well as better communication with consumers in the future.

It isn't clear if Apple is simply another company China thinks is allowing pornography in the country, or if this is part of a larger move against the iPhone and iPad maker. Once citizen commenting on the report in China stated, "Apologizing is not enough, you guys miscalculated, if [the government] wants you to go, it wants you to go," indicating they think the government doesn't want Apple's business in the country.

Other comments, however, implied that finding porn in Apple's online store is too difficult.